Take a Lesson from Lincoln: Be Happy—and Grateful.

These days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by “bad news on the doorstep.” Trade wars. Impeachment. Wildfires. At times, it all can almost be too much—but only if you let it be.

On our refrigerator at work hangs a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln, a man who had his share of troubles. It reads: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

A pragmatist, Lincoln put things in simple terms, punctuated with purpose. He strikes me as someone who was grateful and grounded, finding good in whatever the situation to find a solution.

Such a positive outlook is timeless and worth embracing, especially now during our 23rd Thanksgiving at Working Solutions.

I look back on this year with gratitude. At clients, who believed in us enough to renew their contracts. At the new business we signed. At prospective clients now inviting us to compete for their custom service.

And yes, there were obstacles, but nothing we couldn’t overcome with the right mindset and might.

So, we have many blessings to count, indeed. Working Solutions wouldn’t be successful today if it wasn’t for our employees and the 1,000s of contact center agents, who work for us at their choosing as independent contractors. They make the difference, time and again.

Evidence of their dedication is reflected in the customer and community service stories our agents tell:

• Brenda, an agent for 17 years, proved to be a reassuring voice on a lonely road for a stranded, young woman. “She was my daughter’s age, and I knew the fear she was feeling. She just needed a voice to guide her and someone with a sense of caring and empathy to help her get home. Working Solutions is simply the best of the best at customer service.”

 

• Valerie, a Gulf War veteran and agent, applied her insight to help service men and women navigate the military healthcare system. “I use my experience as a former volunteer at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) to help those who have questions about how to receive the care they have earned through service to our country.”

These are just two examples of why I appreciate our agents, who identify with customers and people in their communities. Their comfort and outreach reflect well on themselves and Working Solutions. They embody the caring culture we’ve nurtured since beginning the company in 1996.

Brenda and Valerie practice Lincoln’s belief—and the benefits it brings to where they work, live and to those they serve. And that’s something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.